Brexit: EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier to meet with Remain-supporting Tory rebels

A cross-party delegation including Labour MPs is visiting Brussels

Michel Barnier, Europe's Chief Brexit negotiator, gives a press conference on the status of the negotiations (EPA)

The European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator is to meet with Remain-supporting British MPs in Brussels on Monday ahead of Brexit talks returning for the New Year.

Michel Barnier will receive two Tory rebels, Dominic Grieve and Anna Soubry, as well as Labour figures Chuka Umunna and Chris Leslie.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said the MPs had “things to say about the process” of negotiations and that they would be granted an audience with Mr Barnier.

The meeting is the latest in a long line for the EU’s chief negotiator, who earlier this month received former Ukip leader Nigel Farage and other Brexiteers, and last year spoke to other Remainers such as Nick Clegg, Ken Clarke, and Andrew Adonis.

The hosting of Conservative rebels while negotiations are still on-going might raise eyebrows in Downing Street. Ms Soubry said last year that “history will condemn” MPs who are not trying to stop Brexit, while Mr Grieve led efforts to amend the Government’s EU withdrawal bill, on which Theresa May suffered a humiliating defeat.

There is no date yet set for the resumption of Brexit negotiations in Brussels. Both sides hope to agree details of the transition of “implementation” period before March, when discussions on the future framework for trade are expected to begin.

Under the EU’s terms, a separation deal will have to be finalised by October this year so that it can be scrutinised and ratified before Britain automatically leaves the bloc under Article 50 in March 2019. Following that, a full free trade agreement is expected to be negotiated, though it is not clear how long – or even what form – that will take.

The European Commission spokesperson said: “Michel Barnier receives many, many people who are interested in the process, who have things to say about the process, and his door is open.